Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• Inspect vine to assess variety, age, fruiting canes and overall health

• Remove dead, diseased and crossing wood to improve airflow

• Prune to the training system used (spur or cane) and retain appropriate fruiting wood

• Cut back long shoots, shorten to suitable buds and tie new canes to the trellis

• Treat major cuts where recommended and remove suckers at the base

• Collect, chip or remove prunings and tidy the working area

• Check trellis fixings and advise on minor repairs to supports

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Most routine grape vine pruning takes 1–3 hours for a single mature vine; small trained vines 30–60 minutes, while multiple or high-trained systems can take 1–2 days depending on access, vine age and amount of deadwood. Factors that extend time include poor access, need for scaffolding, wet weather and major trellis repairs.

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• Which pruning system do you recommend for my vine (spur or cane) and why?

• How many years of experience do you have pruning grape vines and can you show examples?

• Will disposal and green waste removal be included in the quote or charged extra?

• Do you need scaffolding or a cherry picker for my vines and how is that priced?

• How will you protect fruiting wood and what PPE/contamination controls do you use?

• Are you insured for working at height and for damage to trellis or neighbouring property?

How to Avoid Surprises

• Clear safe access to the vine and a nearby parking space for the tradie's vehicle

• Tell the tradie about steep slopes, shared boundaries or restricted gate widths

• Let them know about bird nesting or fruiting season to avoid inappropriate timing

• Agree who is responsible for disposal, skips or green waste collection before work starts

• Check whether any working-at-height permits, neighbour consents or party-wall rules apply